AT a time when the government is emphasising the virtue of high profile high visibility policing on the streets of Britain, it is with some concern that I note that the Lancashire Constabulary is considering the closure of severe cuts in the Mounted Branch.

The operational duties of the Mounted Branch regularly include high visibility policing, such as anti-vandalism, public nuisance patrols, and the temporary uniform patrolling of unmanned rural beats.

Mounted officers regularly undertake crime prevention patrols, in car parks where there are high instances of theft of and from vehicles, they also patrol areas vulnerable to burglaries.

The Mounted Branch plays an important role in the fight against anti-social behaviour and drunkenness by providing officers to patrol town centres late at night in an effort to quell rowdiness.

In addition to these vital roles, officers also perform public relations duties at events such as processions, schools visits and open days.

Lancashire also has four football league teams in Blackburn, Burnley, Preston and Blackpool.

Mounted officers form an integral part of the policing operation at these grounds, not only dealing with any associated public disorder, but providing a vital safety role as due to their height and physical presence they are able to see and deal with any potentially dangerous situations.

Many people in Lancashire have been thankful for the assistance given by mounted police officers, and part of this gratitude relates directly to being able to approach the officer on the road, in the village, or town, directly relate their problem, and receive assistance straight away. Having all police officers hidden away in cars and vans is not that the public wants or needs. It must also be noted that the types of areas and terrain which can be covered by a mounted police officer are often not accessible by car or foot.

If we are to maintain public confidence in the police, and indeed increase it then ill-conceived budget cuts are not the answer.

P LEE (Mrs), Greyfriars Drive, Penwortham, Preston.